Hurricane-proof your business records

Before the season

• Use cloud bookkeeping software, not a file on one office computer.
• Switch every bank, card and loan account to paperless statements.
• Photograph receipts as you go, and store them in the cloud.
• Keep a list of your accounts, insurance policies and key contacts in a secure, shared place.

If a storm is coming

• Download the last few months of statements somewhere you can reach from your phone.
• Photograph your equipment and inventory for insurance.
• Note any customer deposits you're holding.

After the storm

Keep every repair estimate, invoice and insurance letter, and record them as they come. Storm repairs and insurance payouts need careful bookkeeping, and your accountant will want the full trail.

If a storm already cost you paper records, the books can usually be rebuilt from downloaded statements. It's a standard cleanup job.